JRM Technology is planning a 315,000-square-foot data center in Chicago, the company announced yesterday. Called 111 E. Cermak, the project is a six-story, ground-up data center that will include 143,000 square feet of raised floor area.

"This will be the first data center in the downtown area designed and built specifically as a data center from the ground up," said JRM principal James McHugh. "Every aspect of the building will be tailored to clients' needs, from robust, redundant power sourcing to cooling systems and security."

Construction is slated to begin in the fall with a target completion date of late 2011. JRM says it is actively negotiating with tenants for the site.

JRM will also seek Gold LEED certification. Building plans include louvers for fresh air cooling and a "green" roof with 10,000 square feet of vegetation.